Inside the Ford’s Theatre Museum, two television screens display close-up images of Abraham Lincoln’s face. The screens are embedded in a display that is a large-scale photograph of the partially constructed U.S. Capitol dome taken during the Civil War. In front of the display are three white columns, designed to evoke the Capitol. Behind the display is a model of the partially constructed dome.
The unfinished capitol dome on display in the Ford’s Theatre Museum. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

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Ford’s Theatre explores the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and celebrates the American experience through theatre and education.

In April 14, 1865, Lincoln and his wife decided to visit the theatre to see the comedy Our American Cousin. John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, snuck into the President’s Box and shot Lincoln with a single-shot Deringer pistol. Booth fled into the night, and Lincoln died the next morning in the Petersen House, a boarding house located just across the street from the theatre. 

Historic Site

Visit Ford’s Theatre and step back in time. While at our historic site, you will learn about the events of April 14, 1865, and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s assassination on our nation. We are a popular Washington, D.C., tourist destination and welcome more than 650,000 visitors a year.

Inside the Ford’s Theatre Museum, two television screens display close-up images of Abraham Lincoln’s face. The screens are embedded in a display that is a large-scale photograph of the partially constructed U.S. Capitol dome taken during the Civil War. In front of the display are three white columns, designed to evoke the Capitol. Behind the display is a model of the partially constructed dome.

Museum

Explore exhibits on Lincoln’s presidency, Civil War milestones and the assassination conspiracy led by John Wilkes Booth.

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A side view of the stage and seating at Ford’s Theatre. On the left is the Presidential Box with an American flag, a framed picture of George Washington and American flag bunting draped over the box.

Theatre

Go inside the historic theatre and learn about the night of the assassination.

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A small bedroom decorated with 1860s-era furniture. The room has green-and-white-striped wallpaper. In the right corner sits a double-sized mattress on a wooden bed frame with two pillows and a colorful quilt with geometric shapes. Small wooden chairs are arranged facing the bed.

Peterson House

See the house where President Lincoln died and learn about the people who gathered around him that fateful night.

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A cartoon of Lincoln with Spiderman, a color portrait of Lincoln standing, a green-faced Lincoln portrait, a life-size silhouette of Lincoln standing and an enlarged portrait of Lincoln’s head and shoulders.

Aftermath Exhibits

Learn about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth, follow Lincoln’s funeral train and witness a nation in mourning.

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Group Visits to the Historic Site

Bring your group of 20 or more to visit Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

Group Visits

Plan Your Visit

Information to help you plan your visit.

Tips For Visitors

Site Activities

An actor stands dressed as an 1860s detective, holding a notepad. Behind him on a brick wall is posted a reward poster for the capture of Lincoln's assassin.
Eric M. Messner as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour, Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

Guided Tours

Explore history in our special guided tours!

Step into the past with our walking tours of Washington, D.C. and guided tours of Ford’s Theatre! Ford’s Theatre offers guided tours for those who wish to experience history with a narrative and structure.

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Actors playing Harry Ford and Harry Hawk wear 1860s costumes including top hats. They stand in front of the Ford’s Theatre Presidential Box.
Photo of Jonathan Atkinson and Joe Mallon by Carolina Dulcey. Background photo by Gary Erskine.

One Destiny

A one-act play about the Lincoln assassination

Learn about President Lincoln’s assassination from two men who were there. Actor Harry Hawk and Ford’s Theatre co-owner Harry Ford revisit the events of April 14, 1865. 

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